Girls’ Positionalities at the Intersection of Identity and Violence

The edited volume explores the unique positionality of girls as they experience gender-based violence. While girl children are often placed under the umbrella of womanhood, their location at the intersection of femalehood and childhood places them in a unique position with regards to various forms of exploitation and violence. Feminist theories, including feminist legal theory, provide pertinent avenues to explore girls’ positionalities, yet girl children should also be contextualized in relation to their current lived experiences. This book firstly explores the cultural and visual portrayal of girlhood and its relationship with gender-based violence, and secondly provides case studies of specific violations of human rights encompassing sexual violence and exploitation. It considers legal, social and economic avenues to support girls in reclaiming their identity, dignity and bodily integrity.   Girls Positionalities at the Intersection of Identity and Violence fills an important gap in the literature by offering a comprehensive exploration of the unique situation of girls and gender-based violence in the 21st century. Chapdelaine-Feliciati brings together a remarkable set of scholars and practitioners in various disciplines, from childhood studies, law, history, political science and sociology, to communication and culture, digital arts, game studies and literature. Girls Positionalities covers timely issues, namely online violence, cosmetic surgery and deepfakes, popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Onlyfans and Pornhub, while addressing girls in specific situations, such as armed conflict, refugee girls, and violence in the educational setting. While many studies tend to focus on girls as victims, this volume emphasizes ways in which girls can be empowered and engage in the promotion of their rights through awareness-raising, policy reform and a cultural shift in the portrayals of girlhood globally. - Deanne Williams, Professor of English Literature and Girls' Studies, York University, Toronto, Canada, and Co-founder, Girls' Studies Research Network